Everything You Need to Know About Business Continuity

There is a common misconception that a disaster recovery plan (DRP) is the same as a business continuity plan (BCP). There are meaningful differences between each. A comprehensive BCP is necessary for businesses of all types and varieties. Here are some important things you need to know about DRP and BCP in general:

How BC and DRPs Work in Unison

Properly preparing for a disaster to keep your business operating like a well-oiled machine is easier said than done. A detailed set of BCPs and DRPs must be implemented now before a crisis occurs. Your business should be thoroughly prepared for disasters of every type. Adequate planning ensures your company keeps its doors open and recovers in a timely manner. Your BCP must provide access to your DRP. It must also notify important participants in the disaster recovery plan as soon as the emergency occurs.

Additional Facets of BCPs

BCPs must pinpoint decision makers across each level of management. These individuals should be ready and willing to step up and perform at a top level. Furthermore, their specific duties in the face of disaster should be detailed. Every single office system from computers to connectivity must be accounted for. An alternative work site should be identified.

Safety is also a key facet of business continuity. The plan should set out instructions to ensure a safe evacuation from the building. Furthermore, the matter of communication must be handled in a careful manner. The ways in which personnel will interact with one another as well as clients, suppliers, and insurance providers must be identified in advance.

How to Build a Successful BCP

A truly effective BCP requires the assistance of experts in this field. If you do not have such a plan in place, prioritize it. You never know when an emergency will occur. The right company can help you craft the ultimate plan. Even if you are slightly concerned about your plan, they can provide valuable input to ensure you are fully prepared for crises. These types of companies will also help you define the plan’s scope, key in on the most important areas of your business, pinpoint essential functions, and gauge reasonable downtime for functions. It is also important to pinpoint discrepancies between business functions and areas that have the potential to cause conflict. The result will be a detailed master BCP that empowers you to maintain operations amidst any type of crisis.

Testing Your BCP

Once your BCP is in place, it must be tested to ensure it will actually prove effective amidst actual threats. Testing involves everything from conference room exercises to structured walk-through sessions and simulations. Such simulations should be performed at least once per year in an environment that simulates the disaster. This simulation empowers you to determine if business functions can continue amidst threats.

If you need help with your company’s business continuity plan, contact us at Idealstor. We can help you craft a strong and reliable BCP, as well as other business concerns you may have.